Cincinnati’s frontcourt got a whole lot bigger Monday, when 7-1 center David Nyarsuk began classes at the university as a transfer eligible to play immediately.

Nyarsuk started for Mountain State in NAIA ball last season, but that school lost its accreditation and will be taken over by the University of Charleston in December. As a result, the NCAA ruled Nyarsuk is eligible to compete immediately for the Bearcats.

He averaged 9.8 points and 8 rebounds last season for Mountain State, which reached the NAIA final four in 2012. He scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in an exhibition game against Division I Morehead State last November.

“He immediately gives us depth,” coach Mick Cronin told Sporting News. “If he was a junior college player, he’d have been the No. 1 player in the country. He’s a center who can block shots and finish around the rim. He’s not a great back-to-the basket player, but that’s really not a part of what we’re doing anyway. He fits in as a shot-blocker and a dunker, and he’s got a great attitude. He really can run for a guy his size.”

Cronin said Nyarsuk will compete for playing time against expected starter Cheikh Mbodj and redshirt sophomore Kelvin Gaines. The Bearcats, ranked No. 18 by Sporting News in the preseason, also have 6-8 junior Justin Jackson and 6-7 Shaq Thomas, who sat out his freshman season, to use at power forward.

A native of the Sudan, Nyarsuk signed with West Virginia out of high school but did not qualify to compete as a freshman.

Cronin believes having Nyarsuk work with a fulltime strength and conditioning coach will enhance his performance.

“The kid is all work/no play. He’s very dedicated,” Cronin said. “The indications from my players are that he’s in great shape and he can help us.

“That’s a great pickup for us. We don’t need him to be our best player. We’ve got plenty of guys.”